Syrian militants, including members of al-Qaida’s local branch, attacked a government intelligence centre in the northern city of Aleppo, damaging much of the building by blowing up a tunnel under it, activists said today.
The attack on the Air Force Intelligence headquarters began late last night and lasted until early today, said Aleppo-based activist Ahmad Hamed via Skype. He claimed the attack killed dozens of government troops.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighting killed 13 militants and killed and wounded more than 20 troops and pro-government gunmen. There was no immediate word from the government on the attack.
Rebels and members of al-Qaida’s Nusra Front have launched several past assaults on the Aleppo intelligence center, where dozens of detainees were once held. Activists say repeated attacks there forced the government move detainees elsewhere. Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, became key battlefield after rebels launched an offensive there in July 2012.
The attack on the Air Force Intelligence headquarters began late last night and lasted until early today, said Aleppo-based activist Ahmad Hamed via Skype. He claimed the attack killed dozens of government troops.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighting killed 13 militants and killed and wounded more than 20 troops and pro-government gunmen. There was no immediate word from the government on the attack.
Rebels and members of al-Qaida’s Nusra Front have launched several past assaults on the Aleppo intelligence center, where dozens of detainees were once held. Activists say repeated attacks there forced the government move detainees elsewhere. Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, became key battlefield after rebels launched an offensive there in July 2012.